The article doesn't mention what I think is more of a problem than activation. It's the ongoing check to see whether Windows is "genuine".[1] This used to be ca

The article doesn't mention what I think is more of a problem than activation. It's the ongoing check to see whether Windows is "genuine".[1] This used to be called Windows Genuine Advantage, then renamed to Windows Activation Technologies. Activating is a one-time thing. Either you succeed or you can try again. But the ongoing check is IMO a serious problem. Basically the software can deactivate itself on a whim (not really, but it's magic unless you understand exactly what's happening). Does anyone know if this is still enabled? Once Windows is activated does it declare itself "non genuine" unless it's able to phone home? (excluding Win 10 phoning home for spyware reasons, let's not discuss that again). If so, that's a problem. A Windows computer can degrade its functionality any time it feels like? [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Genuine_Advantage#Spyware_accusations https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Genuine_Advantage#Spyw...